Some time ago I queried the list for suggestions on how to solve a problem endemic to Folbot's Greenland II: when the spraydeck gets wet, it sags horribly. This ultimately leads to a lapful of cold water, and prevents the use of the spraydeck for chartwork, etc. The solution was simple and quick. I separated the seam which connects the spraydeck proper (cordura nylon) to its edging of fuzzy velcro. (To attach the spraydeck to the deck, this fuzzy velcro mates with complementary hook velcro which is glued to the outside of the coaming strips -- what Folbot calls the washboards.) Then I trimmed an inch off each edge of the cordura, tapering the trimming as I reached the end of the spraydeck -- fore and aft. I then resewed the seam. This reduces the width of the spraydeck enough so that when wet, the fuzzy velcro just fully engages the hook version -- making it very strong, and very tight! When *dry,* about one-half inch of engagement can be achieved on each side -- plenty strong to withstand incidental spray and paddlesplash. Not strong enough to take a dumping wave, but if you are in conditions like that, you will have already tightened the spraydeck -- which (owing to a now-wet spraydeck), will give full engagement! The only drAwback to this fix is that if the velcro is left in the fully engaged position when the spraydeck dries out, shrinkage when the deck dries can cause the hook velcro to "migrate" as the adhesive gives. (Others claim this occurs -- I have not seen it yet.) Other fixes -- fitting hardshell sprayskirts or making a spraydeck of neoprene were discarded as too elaborate and too costly. Others have tried sail battens, but they do not elongate as the spraydeck gets wet, and sagging occurs, anyway. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
We are note to PadedleWise. I hope this sort of post is appropriate. We are on our way to the Bahamas for the last half of December for leisurely paddling in the Exumas and would welcome the company of other families (kids especially!) or persons who might like to join. December 14-31 we will be paddling north to south from above the Land and Sea park to as far as time allows: probably Staniel Cay. We are a family of three, two senior citizens and our seven year old daughter. We travel at a leisurely pace, read, loaf, eat, hike and swim at many a beach, and visit local attractions. If you are looking for warm water and some out island adventure, join us. American Airlines had a sale on tickets to Miami last week that may still be on. Happy paddling, Richard G. Mitchell, Jr. Corvallis, Oregon 97331 (541) 752-1323 phone/fax (H) mitchelr_at_ucs.orst.edu *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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